Substantive achievements of the Constitution
Topic: Preamble and the Philosophy of the Constitution · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 10 "The Philosophy of the Constitution"
Meaning
The substantive achievements of the Constitution are its core commitments, meaning what it stands for. Class 11 NCERT lists five of them:
- Liberal individualism: respect for each person's freedom and rights.
- Social justice without giving up individual liberty.
- Group rights for religious and linguistic communities.
- Universal franchise: every adult can vote.
- Asymmetric federalism (different special arrangements for different states) within a common national identity.
These are what make up the philosophy of the Constitution.
Example
India wrote caste-based affirmative action, such as reserved seats and permission to reserve jobs under Art. 16(4), into its Constitution almost two decades before the USA began its programmes after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It did this while keeping fundamental freedoms. India also gave every adult the vote under Art. 326, at a time when Swiss women did not get the federal vote until 1971.
Don't confuse with
- Procedural achievements of the Constitution: these are about how the Constitution was made, through deliberation, compromise and consensus. Substantive achievements are about what it contains.